Justice Sanjiv Khanna to be sworn in as 51 CJI on Monday

New Delhi, November 10: Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, November 11, with the oath of office to be administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Justice Khanna will succeed Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday, marking the end of his tenure. Known for his pivotal role in landmark judgments, including the striking down of the electoral bonds scheme and the upholding of the abrogation of Article 370, Justice Khanna will serve as Chief Justice until May 13, 2025.

Justice Khanna, appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2019, has delivered judgments on high-profile issues such as affirming the security of electronic voting machines (EVMs), granting interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and addressing significant constitutional issues. Hailing from a family with a distinguished legal legacy, Justice Khanna's father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served as a Delhi High Court judge, while his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, is remembered for his dissenting opinion during the Emergency in the ADM Jabalpur case—a stance that underscored his commitment to upholding fundamental rights.

 A third-generation lawyer, Justice Khanna began his career in Delhi's Tis Hazari District Courts and later practiced in the Delhi High Court. Before his Supreme Court appointment, he also served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department. His legal philosophy emphasizes judicial efficiency and case backlog reduction, demonstrated through his involvement in legal reforms and as the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which promotes access to justice across India.

 Justice Khanna’s elevation highlights his lifelong commitment to constitutional values and judicial integrity, carrying forward the legacy of his predecessors in upholding the principles of justice and equality.